Vol 18 No 1 (2015), pp.

Abstract:

This study describes how the use of community-based participatory approaches and the Ifugaos’ indigenous knowledge system (IKS) were harnessed in the conduct of resource and damage assessment, mapping, and the preparation of management plans for four clusters corresponding to four subwatersheds in Hungduan, Ifugao, Philippines.

The Ifugaos’ indigenous knowledge was evident in the identification of the ownership and location of terraces and woodlots, and the use of natural landmarks and boundaries in locating properties, sitios and barangays on maps. Their IKS was complemented with trainings to build capacities on resource assessment such as the use of satellite-based navigation and positioning system, survey instruments, and grid-based assessment and in developing management plans.

The community-based resource assessment estimated the total areas of rice terraces in Clusters 1, 2, 3 and 4 to be 623 ha, 631 ha, 1,171 ha and 637 ha, respectively, while the damaged terraces ranged from 13% to a maximum of 20%. Abandoned terraces were found to be minimal. Outputs in the form of management plans were the product of the interaction of the different farmer groups and the available resources, strategies and achievable recommendations for the sustainability and protection of their rice terraces.

Complementing indigenous knowledge with science and recent research techniques is effective in generating reliable information needed in the development of management plans for the conservation and protection of natural resources.